About

Discover the hidden stories of ancient landscapes now lost beneath the sea in this fascinating talk. You’ll learn how people once lived in areas that are now underwater—places flooded over thousands of years by rising sea levels and changing climates. From prehistoric settlements to early coastal communities, these lost worlds offer incredible insights into human history and resilience.

The talk is presented by Dr Philip Murgatroyd, from the Submerged Landscapes Research Centre at the University of Bradford. Based in the School of Forensic and Archaeological Sciences, the Centre is a world leader in uncovering these underwater landscapes using cutting-edge technology and data from offshore industries. Their research not only reveals the past but also helps us understand how people have adapted to environmental change—something that’s more relevant than ever today.

After 11 years in the computer industry, Philip started an Archaeology degree at the University of Bradford in 2000. His work has included complex systems, data visualisation, geophysics and computer simulation, and has encompassed the Mesolithic, Roman, Medieval and Victorian periods. He has been part of a series of multidisciplinary research projects, including the Anglo-American Project in Pompeii, the Stonehenge Hidden Landscapes Project, GG-Top, Medieval Warfare on the Grid, Europe's Lost Frontiers and Unpath'd Waters. Philip is currently Data Manager for the Subnordica project at the University of Bradford's Submerged Landscapes Research Centre.